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October 23, 2012

Top Ten Books to Get in the Halloween Spirit

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by the bloggers of The Broke and the Bookish. This week's top is ten books to get in the Halloween
spirit. Now, I love Halloween. I love the idea of a day where you get to dress
up like (and become) someone else. I find the history behind the holiday
fascinating. As for the horror element of the holiday...not such a fan. I don't
do scary very well. So since I haven't read any horror novels, I instead picked
lots of Gothic and romantic-era books that are still evocative of the dark and
creepy mood we associate with Halloween.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie—And Then
There Were None is Christie's most enduring work and possibly the best murder
mystery story ever. And, since Ten by Gretchen McNeil seems to be a YA take on
Christie's novel, I think it's important to recognize this original murder-mystery
literary masterpiece. This was my first Christie book but by no means my last.
There's tons of suspense, murder, and an incredibly clever twist.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice— Anne Rice is the
one responsible for reintroducing the vampire to our modern culture. A lot of
the aspects we take for granted in vampire lore were popularized (if not
created) by Rice. Even if you're in love with the sparkly vampires prevalent in
today's culture, I think it's important to look back and see a prime example of
a time when vampires were terrifying monsters, immortal killers, and dangerously
charismatic.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley— The "Frankenstein" costume
is a perennial Halloween costume (English major critique: Although it should
actually be called "Frankenstein's monster." Frankenstein is the name of the
scientist who creates this being, not the being itself.). But seriously,
Shelley's work has got all the elements for a perfect Halloween read: the dark
and cold weather, the crazy scientist, the monstrous creation. Plus it's an
enduring classic of nineteenth-century British literature.

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier— I absolutely adore this
book! Rebecca is the story of a young, unnamed protagonist who has recently
married a wealthy, older man. As she tries to fit in to her new life, all around
her she keeps hearing about her husband's previous wife, Rebecca. Rebecca's
presence is pretty much a constant factor throughout the book. This is
definitely a haunting book as the memories of Rebecca literally haunt our
protagonist.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte— Now before you dismiss
this choice as irrelevant, let me explain. The infamous red room scene? The idea
of the crazy woman in the attic? Mysterious fire? Bronte's most famous story
about the relationship between a young governess and her mysteriously reclusive
employer is not simply a love story. Much like her sister Emily's Wuthering
Heights, Jane Eyre is a very atmospheric tale with a creepy mood spread
throughout.

The Hounds of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle — Once
again, here the author utilizes the idea of the moors and bleak countryside to
create a tale full of perils. The hounds mentioned in the title are like ghosts,
glowing a faint green and haunting the lands at night. And of course it wouldn't
be a classic Sherlock Holmes story with a murder or two.

Anything by Edgar Allan Poe— I'm rather partial to some of his
short stories like "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The
Cask of Amontillado." Poe's stories are classic horror fare, and his short stories
are all quick reads. For many of his stories, I went in expecting darkness and
despair and yet still found myself surprised by how dark they become.

The Italian by Ann Radcliffe— At first glance, Radcliffe's famous work could easily be taken simply as a Gothic romance. But add in a murderous monk, the Holy Inquisition, and sinister and mysterious surroundings and you've got the makings of a dark tale.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman— The monsters and beings that
Coraline faces in her alternate-reality home should definitely be part of any
Halloween celebration. Going into a home like yours but with subtle differences
that gradually become more pronounced sounds so creepy. And the people have
buttons for eyes! Ick! The version that I read even had illustrations to help
readers get better visuals.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman— I am not a fan of Unwind by
any means, but I picked this novel mainly because it's been a very long time
since I've read something that's creeped me out so much I was unable to sleep
that night (the last book I remember creeping me out to this degree is actually
Frankenstein). It is a book that really examines the boundaries of life and
death and what it truly means to be alive, so since death is a common theme of
Halloween I think this is fitting.

What books get you in the Halloween spirit?

Amanda

Amanda loves few things better than sitting down with a cup of tea and a book. She frequently stays up far too late, telling herself she just needs to finish one more page. When she's not wrapped up in the stories of others, Amanda works as a children's librarian in a public library.

I love that you mostly stuck to classics! Two of my faves are up there--Frankenstein and Jane Eyre! <3 And thanks for reminding me to break out the Poe this Halloween! I never seem to remember. :P Great list! - Lauren

Totally agree on the ones I've read. Still have to read anything by Poe - I have a big fat collected works but maybe that's the problem, it's so daunting, where do you start?! Have to get a copy of The Italian now, sounds great (and frightening!).

I remember reading And Then There Were None when I was a teenager and that book completely got its claws into me, it was so scary and I was so stunned at the twist, it completely got me!

So far, Coraline is the only Gaiman book I've liked, not that I've read them all or anything. And it was really scary! And I love Rebecca. Jane Eyre is still one of my favourite books, and Frankenstein is so thought-provoking.

I haven't read Interview with a Vampire, Unwind or The Hound... yet, but I will! Great list Amanda. :D

Ooh yes definitely read The Italian! I also really liked A Sicilian Romance by Radcliffe. And yes, I had a very similar experience with And Then There Were None. It gave me a newfound respect for the mystery genre. I recommend all of these books (except maybe Unwind...had some issues with it.)Thanks so much for commenting, Shannon!